Signs of Spring

Have you noticed day length slowly increasing or any seasonal signs of spring? Many Journey North citizen scientists are picking up on small, subtle changes that accompany seasonal transitions. And the return of certain plant and animal species are welcome sights.

Renie in Horsham, PA: "Glorious sunny days. The earth is coming to life. Day length: 12:08." (03/20/2021)

Ken in Lethbridge, AB: "While birding this afternoon at the Elizabeth Hall Wetlands in Lethbridge I noticed the Plains Cottonwood buds were green and swollen." (04/04/2021)

Jessica in Circleville, OH: "I saw a Bumblebee having a taste of a Grape Hyacinth. Hoping for honeybees when the clover blooms." (04/08/2021)

Sally in Marathon, WI: "Spotted this little guy [American Toad] in our front yard this afternoon with a forecast of 60 degree weather." (04/18/2021)

How to Participate

• Report you day length for April 20, 2021.
• Report seasonal signs of spring.

How to Report your Day Length (Photoperiod)

Step 1: Look up your sunrise/sunset on the 20th of every month.

Step 2: Calculate the length of time between sunrise and sunset. 

Step 3: Report your day length on the 20th of every month.

Step 4: Explore the Daylight map and compare your part of the world with other locations as the Earth revolves around the Sun.